Dan Koni — March 27, 2025
Round up of Touch results for the South Island Secondary School Competition.
Congratulations to the King's 1st Touch Team for their tournament over the weekend. A learning experience not to be in the semi's this year, nevertheless the long-term plan is well in play, experiences were gained and the team developed in the areas they needed to. They will resume back in Term 4 for their National Secondary School's Touch Tournament in Auckland.
There were a few South Islands debutants:
Michael Broderick, Hugo Jury, Connor van Niekerk, Bodhi Clark, Sean Higgins, Nikau Ford and Tioni Metuakore-Tiaiti.
This will also be the last tournament for our stalwarts and captains Jeremiah Tuhega-Vaitupu and Henry Smale.
Thankyou to all parents who were able to support the team in Christchurch. Your sideline and post-game encouragement was both heard and uplifting. Also, thanks to our Coaches Mr. Henry Mitchell-Collie and Mr. Isaac Kramers.
South Island Secondary Schools Touch Tournament in Christchurch, 22-23 March 2025.
DAY 1 - Pool Play (Sat, 22nd March)
Game 1: Vs Christs College, won 9-8
Touchdowns: J.Tuhega-Vaitupu, S.Higgins, H.Smale, T.Metuakore-Tiaiti, C.van Niekerk, L.Tofiga
Game 2: Vs Nelson College, lost 10-7
Touchdowns: J.Tuhega-Vaitupu, H.Smale, S.Higgins, K.Koni, H.Jury, N.Ford, A.Macgregor
Game 3: Vs Rolleston College, won 18-1
Touchdowns: L.Tofiga, T.Metuakore-Tiaiti (3), S.Higgins, J.Tuhega-Vaitupu, L.Smaill, H.Smale, M.Broderick, H. Jury, B.Clark, A.Macgregor
Game 4: Vs St Thomas of Canterbury College, won 10-7
Touchdowns: J.Tuhega-Vaitupu, L.Tofiga, N.Ford, C.van Niekerk, L Kramers, H.Smale, T.Metuakore-Tiaiti
Game 5: Vs Southland Boys' High School, lost 12-11
Touchdowns: J.Tuhega-Vaitupu, H.Smale, S.Higgins, K.Gray, L.Tofiga, L.Smaill
DAY 2 – Pool Play & Finals (Sun, 23rd March)
Game 6: Vs Otago Boys' High School, Won 9-6
Touchdowns: L.Smaill, K.Gray, L.Tofiga, K.Koni, S.Higgins
King's missed out on the Semi-Finals on a count back, so progressed to play off for positions 5th-8th.
Game 7: Vs Shirley Boys' High School, won 5-4
Touchdowns: L.Smaill, J.Tuhega-Vaitupu, K.Koni
Game 8: Vs John McGlashan College, 9-6
Touchdowns: S.Higgins, L.Smaill, L.Kramers, M.Broderick, K.Gray, J.Tuhega-Vaitupu, L.Tofiga
FINAL POSITION – 5th of 14
Metro Secondary Schools Touch (Tues 25th March)
Mohoao Kingi defeated OBHS 10 Gold, 6-4
Hukarere Kingi defeated OBHS 9 Stripes, 8-4
Whatitiri Kingi defeated OBHS 9 Hoops, 9-3
Tiaki-Ha Kingi defeated JMC White, 7-5
Repara Kingi defeated Whiorepaku Kingi, 6-10
Whiorepaku Kingi defeated Repara Kingi, 10-6
Important Touch Dates
All Touch activities (Metro Competition/Academies) will cease at the end of Term 1
16th King’s Junior Boys Touch Invitational (tbc Term 4)
3rd King’s Junior Girls Touch Invitational (tbc Term 4)
Year 8 Junior Boys Touch Invitational (tbc Term 4)
NZ Secondary Schools Touch Tournament (tbc Term 4)
Photo credit: Mr. Nineva Vaitupu
Back row: Mr. D Koni, J.Moeahu, M.Broderick, K.Koni, K.Gray, J.Tuhega-Vaitupu, L.Tofiga, H.Smale, Mr. H Mitchell-Collie, Mr. I Kramers
Front Row: N.Ford, H.Jury, L.Kramers, A.Macgregor, L.Smaill, T.Metuakore-Tiaiti, S.Higgins, C.van Niekerk, B.Clark, Mr. S Cassidy